Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor, trafermin, on entero-related fistulae, report of two cases

Entero-related fistulae are often intractable. Recently, growth factors were generally in sight with the development of regenerative medicine. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) possesses potent angiogenic activity. In Japan, recombinant bFGF, also known as Trafermin, has been administered for intractable skin ulcer for its strong effect on tissue granulation. Here, we report the effect of bFGF for entero-related fistulae. Two intractable cases were treated by applying bFGF in the fistulae after performing the enterostomy. Case 1: Postoperative intractable vesicorectal fistula was treated by bFGF. 82 days later, fistula was closed. Case 2: Colonic perforation due to ischemic colitis was treated. 37 days after treatment, fistula was closed. In conclusion, in the treatment of the intractable entero-related fistulae, Trafermin was useful for healing the fistulae.